Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox received a massive morale boost during her gruelling Great Northern Marathon Challenge when television favourites Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly sent her a surprise good luck message directly from the Australian jungle.
Jungle Surprise for Determined Fundraiser
The I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! hosts, who are preparing to front another series of the hit ITV show this Sunday, recorded a special video for Sara after hearing about her incredible efforts. The duo, currently in Australia, took time out from their preparations to send their support across the world.
Dec, 50, began the message saying: 'Hello Coxy. It's Ant and Dec here. We are in Australia, but news has reached us of the amazing job you are doing.' Ant, 49, quickly added: 'Yeah! We have heard that you are doing a fantastic job. Keep up the work, and very best of luck and lots of love.' The pair ended the clip with Dec offering more positive words: 'Loads of love. Keep it up!'
A delighted Sara responded during her Radio 2 Breakfast Show: 'That was a lovely surprise. I thought, we need better security - who is this running towards me? That was perfectly timed, just as soon as I'm starting to hurt. Pain's really tiring. It was a real boost, thank you so much!'
Celebrity Support and Soaring Donations
The jungle message wasn't the only surprise for the determined presenter. During her show, Sara's sister Dot and other family members made a surprise appearance on the fourth day of her challenge, providing additional emotional support when she needed it most.
The encouragement came alongside spectacular fundraising news. Fellow Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay revealed live on air that Sara had raised an incredible £2,680,747 for BBC Children In Need. Earlier in the day, Scott Mills had announced the moment she crossed the £2 million mark.
An elated Sara exclaimed: 'That is the best news, you absolute legends! Over £2 million! That's going to make so much difference, thank you for every penny! Everybody works so hard, everyone giving up their hard-earned cash, thank you - we're grateful for every penny, it really helps!'
Vernon Kay, who completed his own ultramarathon for Children in Need last year, told listeners: 'Listening to Sara struggle, I must admit I started to get those old flashbacks. But getting through the pain barrier is part of why people donate to Children in Need. You're putting yourself in an uncomfortable position, and people think "Well, I'm really glad it's you and not me". She'll get through it, though, she's got Northern grit flowing through her veins!'
Inspiring Companions and Northern Grit
The challenge saw Sara joined by inspiring companions, including Jude, a 20-year-old member of The One Show's Challenge Squad. Jude, an ambassador for the charity Shine, was born with spina bifida, a condition that severely affects his mobility. Doctors once told his parents he might never walk, but through multiple surgeries and sheer determination, Jude has embraced sport at every opportunity.
Support came from other celebrity well-wishers too. Dame Judi Dench sent her encouragement, saying: 'Sara, I hear you are doing an incredible journey for Children in Need, and so I hear you are going through God's own country. And, as it's my county, I am sending you love, and I hope they are very kind to you up in Yorkshire. Good luck and well done. How brilliant.'
Football legend Alan Shearer also offered his support: 'I just wanted to wish you all the best for your Great Northern Marathon Challenge. 135 miles in five days is an amazing effort. I'd love to be there to support you in person, but Pudsey Bear moves quicker than me these days! Good luck!'
After completing her hilliest day on Wednesday, an amazing crowd of 2000 locals in Richmond greeted Sara as she limped over the finish line. Along the route, she enjoyed a heartwarming appearance from friend Gethin Jones and a 40-strong tractor salute.
Now, Sara has taken on her longest day yet, which sees her on foot for over 12 hours from Richmond all the way to Ripley. She set off early on Thursday morning from Richmond accompanied by the local Mayor, Carl, and horn-player Steven.
The gruelling 135-mile Great Northern Marathon Challenge began from the Kielder Forest on Monday morning. This expedition represents Radio 2's longest-ever BBC Children In Need Challenge in terms of duration. Sara is relying entirely on her own feet – whether walking or jogging – with no other means of transport permitted.
A BBC TV crew is following Sara's journey every step of the way for an exclusive behind-the-scenes appeal film, Sara Cox: Every Step of the Way for Children in Need, set to air on BBC One on November 19 at 8pm.
